What role do nature and the seasons play in Japanese art, particularly in genres like ukiyo-e and haiku, and how is this connection reflected in contemporary Japanese artistic practices?
How did the introduction of Western techniques and materials during the Meiji Restoration impact traditional Japanese art, and in what ways have modern Japanese artists integrated or resisted these...
What are the distinguishing features of Japanese woodblock printing (ukiyo-e), and how have artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige contributed to its development and international recognition?
How does the concept of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes beauty in imperfection and transience, manifest in various forms of Japanese art, including tea ceremonies, pottery, and garden design?
How do traditional art forms from Southeast Asia, such as batik, wayang kulit, and ikat weaving, reflect the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the region?